Estrogen Dominance & Hormonal Imbalance

What is Estrogen Dominance?

Estrogen dominance is the condition of increased estrogen levels relative to progesterone levels in the body. Estrogen dominance may be the result of overproduction of estrogen by the body, changes in estrogen metabolism and excretion, or an imbalance in the estrogen to progesterone ratio. Estrogen dominance has been linked to allergies, autoimmune disorders, breast cancer, uterine cancer, infertility, ovarian cysts, and increased blood clotting, and is also associated with the acceleration of the aging process.

Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance:

• Heavy cycles & irregular cycles
• Ovarian cysts
• Fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Bloating & water retention
• Weight gain
• PMS and depression
• Irritability, mood swings.
• Cellulite, spider veinsEstrogen dominance symptoms include: 
• Decreased sex drive
• Endometriosis
• Fibroids
• Inability to lose weight
• Thyroid dysfunction
• Irregular or heavy menstrual periods
• Cold hands and feet (a symptom of thyroid dysfunction)
• Sluggish metabolism
• Bloating (water retention)
• Hair loss
• Foggy thinking, memory loss
• Anxiety or depression 
• Breast tenderness
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Headaches/ Migraines

CAUSES OF ESTROGEN DOMINANCE

• birth control 
• genetics
• diets low in grains and fiber
• impaired elimination of estrogen / poor liver detoxification of estrogen 
• Environmental estrogens
• Lack of exercise
• Taking excessive doses of estrogen replacement therapy 

HOW WE TREAT ESTROGEN DOMINANCE? 

Natural Progesterone 

Progesterone is the female hormone that is dominant during the second half of a woman's cycle and is the primary hormone during pregnancy. 

 Progesterone is made mainly in the ovaries up until menopause and is then made in the adrenal glands. Progesterone is made from pregnenolone. 

Functions of Progesterone

• balances estrogen
• positive effect on sleep
• helps build bones
• helps prevent anxiety, irritability, mood swings
• helps maintain bladder function
• lowers LDL cholesterol 
• helps maintain pregnancy
• protects breast health
• anti-inflammatory
• diuretic
• immune builder
• increases metabolic rate
• helps the body to eliminate fats
• enhances the action of the thyroid

Signs and Symptoms of Progesterone Deficiency

• anxiety
• decreased libido
• depression
• insomnia
• irritability
• miscarriage
• migraine headache
• mood swings
• osteopenia/osteoporos
• pain and inflammation 
• weight gain

CAUSES OF LOW PROGESTERONE

• antidepressants
• birth control
• hypothyroidism
• deficiency of vitamins A, B6, C and Zinc
• increased prolactin levels
• saturated fat intake
• stress
• high sugar diet
• aging process

Difference between Provera (synthetic progesterone) vs natural Progesterone? 

Additional molecules have been added to Provera that make it chemically different from the progesterone found in the female body. The unfortunate truth is Provera comes with a long list of side effects, including undesired weight gain, acne, bloating, mood swings, and migraines. Other synthetic progestins are found in the Mirena IUD, birth control pills, and Depo-Provera. When these synthetic progestins are used in place of natural progesterone, women suffer from further hormone imbalances and do not receive the desired health benefits of natural progesterone. Natural progesterone is our calming hormone that relieves anxiety and allows us to sleep at night, while also protecting us from estrogen-dominant cancers.